The Bucket List

Chapter One

Chapter One

Avierra's POV 

**

           I looked in the mirror and cringed at the girl who was looking back. She looked terrible. What used to be luxuriously thick and long brown hair was now replaced by a bandanna. Her eyes were puffy and red, with deep bags under her pale green orbs. She had a crooked smile, and not-so-white teeth. I let out a long dismissive sigh over the look of the heart broken girl.

            ‘She’ was me, Avierra Halls, an eighteen year old who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  I know, weird name. People mostl called me Ave, though. I lived with my Mom in California, where I was born. I visited my Dad in England during the summer because his job had transferred him there. That’s the main reason why he and my Mom split up.

            Anyway, self pity would get me nowhere as I completed getting ready to go out. I had no clue where we were heading, but my Mom said it was important. I got out a little sundress and put it on. I put on a little makeup and tried on at least five different bandannas. I wanted to make a good impression at where ever we ended up.

            “Avierra,” my Mom called from downstairs. “Come on!” I finished putting on a little eyeliner and made my way down the steps. “Oh, you look wonderful!” My Mom said with a peaceful sigh. I smiled back at her and made my way out of the tiny townhouse.

**

            We drove for a short time and I complained the entire time about not knowing where we’re going. When we finally pulled up to a large building, I smiled like crazy. “The Ellen DeGenres Show?” I practically sang as I jumped out of the car. “Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!” My Mom looked at me like I was crazy.

            After we got out purses checked, we made our way to our seats. We sat close to the front, and next to the aisle. I got the occasional stare from people, probably because they could tell I had cancer, but I could care less.

            Anyway, Ellen started off the show by greeting everyone, and then her voice got very serious. She looked intently over the crowd and slowly stated, “There is one person, here in this audience who made me cry the other day. Not a bad cry, but an honored and joyful sort of cry.” She looked back at a paper she held in her hands. “I was sent this note the other day,” she started. “A bucket list, really. It was from the mother of a young lady with breast cancer. The note had only a portion of the bucket list. First on the list, or tied for first I should say, is ‘Meet Ellen DeGenres and thank her.’ So, I’d like to introduce to you Avierra Halls.”

            I shook my head. “This must be a dream,” I whispered to myself. I turned to my Mom and she nodded encouragingly. As I made my way to the stage, tears stung my eyes. When I got on the stage, I hugged Ellen tightly. When we finally sat down again, I said, “Thank you so much Ellen. You’re so loving and kind.” The audience ‘Awww’ed, and I blushed a little. “No, you’re sweet and strong. Thank you for making me tied for first,” Ellen said. I blushed even more. “Why don’t you tell the audience what the second number one is?” She pestered, smiling widely.

            At this point, I’m sure my face is a bright red, redder then a tomato, I guessed. “It’s a little childish, I must admit,” I said, “But it’s meet Niall Horan from One Direction.” The audience chuckled and I joined in. “So, I’m guessing he’s your favorite then?” She questioned. I nodded my head in embarrassment. “What do you like about him?” She asked. Everything, is what I wanted to say, but I held back the urge.

            Gulping, I finally managed some flustered words. “He always seems so bubbly and happy, and down to earth. The accent is a huge plus, just like his singing voice… But have you seen his smile?” I asked. The audience chuckled a bit more and it got silent quickly.

            Before I knew it, I heard a bubbly yet thick Irish accent say from behind me, “You like my smile, eh?”